The appeals trial for 18 Senegalese nationals and one French citizen, detained in Morocco since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, opened at the Rabat Court of Appeal on Monday, April 13, 2026. The hearing follows several postponements after the group was initially convicted on charges including violence against public officials.
The defendants were arrested following violent clashes in Rabat after the AFCON final on February 9, 2025. Moroccan authorities stated the disturbances involved vandalism and attacks on security forces. Their initial trial concluded with prison sentences ranging from several months to two years.
The appeals process is being closely monitored by human rights organizations and Senegalese diplomatic officials. The defendants' legal team has argued the initial sentences were disproportionate and are seeking their release or reduced penalties.
No verdict was delivered on the first day of the appeals trial. The court is expected to hear arguments from both the defense and prosecution before adjourning to deliberate on a final judgment at a later date.
